I’m looking for a recommendation on a second set of sprue cutters. I currently have a set of Xuron 410 micro shears, but want something with narrower blades. My thinking is that the narrower blades would be a better option when trying to remove small, delicate parts from a sprue without them getting tweaked.
Jay
I just got these before Christmas. They work great and shear off sprue super clean. Only caveat is they aren’t great on thicker sprue
https://www.micromark.com/Tweezer-Sprue-Cutter-Despruing-Tweezer
That Xuron 410 is my main sprue cutter, but for super delicate parts that might snap in half, I use a jewelers saw with an 8/0 blade. Cuts quickly but gently so it doesn’t put angular stress on the part. Also works great for removing clear polycarbonate pieces from the sprue that tend to be a lot more brittle and more likely to crack when removed with a normal sprue cutter.
I wholeheartedly agree! I have used them for 10 years and they do a great close cut with litle or no nub left.
Hello!
I always say look up an electronics store for cutters - you have a better selection and probably better prices, too (you can also get ultra expensive cutters there).
HOWEVER if the part is really delicate, your best bet is to use a razor saw on at least some of the attachment points.
Good luck with your builds and have a nice day
Paweł
I wasn’t aware of the jewelers saw and will look into that. I do have an Olfa saw that I’ve yet to use. Has anyone used the photoetch saw blades that Tamiya offers? I’m curious how they hold up.
I think I’m going to order the Micro-Mark tweezer sprue cutter that keavdog and montague recommended though.
Jay
I second (or is it third) this! Best snippers ever for delicate pieces.
Your Xuron ones are great for general purpose cutting.
Take a look at the jeweler’s saw and blades in the micro mark catalog. Got a set, but have yet to use it. Not a bad price considering.
I bought a pair of DSPIAR cutters , they are dear , but they are very good . they have a flat side and a blade side , not sure how the physics works , but they don’t shoot the little pieces off of the sprue .
Hi;
Don’t laugh! I bought, at my Local Hobby Shop, a set of Photo etched saws. Yup! Photoetched Stainless in different thicknesses even! They have little Non-Skid finger pads on some. Others you just have to be gentle with. The thinnest is the thickness of a sheet of paper. The thickest is the approximate thickness of a credit card.
Remember Paisley Shirts? Some are shaped like the very organic paisleys! Yeah, and some are darned near amoebas! Each shape is designed to do a job, which you will find very neat overall.The set has I believe eight to twelve in it .I have lost some and added some. Best Buy in tools I ever made! The straight ones were a godsend for their small size
I now have absolutely total control over canopy removal from sprues and no damage from the pressure exerted by the jaws of a sprue cutter!
You can always go old-school and use what many modelers used, back in the day:
You can find that in the Health & Beauty section of your grocery store, or at the local drugstore.